When buying out a leased vehicle, it’s common to encounter various fees. Some, like sales tax or title fees, are unavoidable. However, document fees—charges for processing paperwork—are another story. These fees can be surprisingly high, and in many cases, they’re unnecessary. Let’s look at why document fees are controversial, your rights under the Consumer Leasing...Read More

For many people, leasing a vehicle brings a mix of benefits like lower monthly payments and the opportunity to upgrade every few years. But as the lease term draws to a close, it’s essential to be prepared for the potential costs associated with returning the vehicle or buying it out. Dealerships often add end-of-lease fees,...Read More

When leasing a vehicle, some fees are expected—taxes, registration fees, and so on. But during the lease buyout process, you might find yourself facing unexpected e-filing fees, sometimes at excessive rates. E-filing fees are typically for electronically submitting paperwork to state authorities, and while they can be legitimate, dealerships sometimes inflate these charges. Here, we...Read More

For drivers nearing the end of their car lease, purchasing the leased vehicle often feels like a straightforward option. You’ve driven the car, taken care of it, and know its history well. However, many consumers find that the lease buyout process isn’t as simple as it seems. As dealerships increase efforts to upsell customers, they...Read More

When it’s time to buy out a leased vehicle, some dealerships will tack on an inspection or certification fee, claiming it’s necessary to certify the car’s condition. However, if you’ve been driving the vehicle and maintaining it as part of the lease agreement, these charges may be unwarranted. Here, we’ll explore what these fees are,...Read More

For many people, leasing a vehicle offers flexibility and lower monthly payments. When it’s time to buy the car at the end of the lease, however, there can be unwelcome surprises—particularly in the form of added fees. One of these fees is the “pre-delivery service fee,” which some dealerships charge to “prepare” the car for...Read More